Cosmetic Dentistry

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

Gum Recontouring

No matter how straight and white your teeth are, they aren’t the only part of your mouth that is visible when you smile. Healthy teeth and gums can still look asymmetrical or “gummy” if your gums cover your teeth in a way that is aesthetically unappealing. The good news is that if you have healthy teeth, there is a way to create a more symmetrical gum line that will help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Gum recontouring is a process where the gums are reshaped to
make more of your tooth visible or to make your gum line more
symmetrical. Often the gums will grow along the roots of the teeth
in an uneven pattern or cover much more of the tooth than is
necessary. By reshaping your gum line, you can make your teeth
look longer, giving you a bigger, more vibrant smile.

Candidates for Gum Recontouring

Individuals with an uneven gum line or gummy smile should first discuss their options with one of our experienced Modesto cosmetic dentists. Occasionally, the gum line is already receded enough that gum recontouring is not an option. Sometimes shorter teeth may require Lumineers to achieve a longer look. However, many gummy smiles can be corrected with gum recontouring.

Procedure for Gum Recontouring

The actual process of gum recontouring relies on two people: you and your dentist. At Sierra Dental Care, we will ask you how you would like your smile to look. Your teeth may look crooked because your gums are uneven, or you may want your entire smile to look less gummy. Once you have explained your concerns, our skilled cosmetic dentists will create the look you want.

We use a combination of blade and electro-surgery to perform your gum recontouring procedure. In our experience, we have found this to be the most effective method to achieve our patients’ goals. Often, we will perform gum recontouring procedures in conjunction with orthodontics.

You may be able to return to your daily schedule immediately following the procedure, and though there may be some residual soreness, most patients are comfortable immediately after.

If you are interested in gum recontouring to correct your gummy smile, please contact our Modesto cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule your appointment. Our cosmetic dentist at Sierra Dental Care serves patients in the Modesto, Salida, and Turlock, California areas.